How Vitamins & Minerals in Tomatoes Protect Skin

Tomatoes are best known for their high level of lycopene, which is a powerful antioxidant. According to Szep Elet’s Szilvia Hickman, it helps to prevent and repair damage to DNA, which can lead to the development of cancer. “Lycopene also stimulates production of antioxidant enzymes, inhibits signals that promote tumor progression, and promotes programmed death of cancerous cells,” she says. And if that isn’t enough, it can also help prevent sunburn and long-term sun damage while calming and hydrating the skin pre- and post-sun exposure. When added to skincare products, it even helps to protect against ultraviolet (UV) radiation and revitalizes and regenerates skin cells.

“With its many skin benefits, lycopene helps to maintain skin density and firmness, helps in the synthesis of procollagen, and protects hyaluronic acid against decomposition,” says Hickman. Tomatoes also contain several other vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that benefit the skin. Here’s a look at some of these ingredients and their impact:

FREE BI-WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

Like this story? Subscribe to For Estheticians!

Skincare professionals rely on For Estheticians as their must-read source for the latest news on skincare treatments, trends, tips and more. Sign up today to get bi-weekly top stories delivered straight to your inbox and read on the go.

Thanks to these ingredients, tomatoes are ideal for anti-pollution, decontamination, and anti-aging services as well as pre- and post-sun treatments, notes Hickman. Tomatoes also contain naturally occurring acids, so Rhonda Allison recommends using them in enzyme and peel formulas.